Medical Sources and SSDI

Acceptable Medical Sources for Social Security Disability

Are you an Indiana resident filing a claim for Social Security disability? – Are you seeing a medical doctor regarding your disability?

Is your treating physician a nurse practitioner? It’s not uncommon for claimants to schedule their medical appointments with the medical office nurse practitioner rather than the doctor.

This may affect whether or not you will receive a favorable ruling on your disability claim.

When the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates a claim, they will review the medical evidence submitted by your medical sources.

Social Security Disability: Claim Denied?
Need Help With Application?

Don’t get frustrated! At our law firm, it’s our mission to professionally represent our disabled clients, as well as their families, and work hard to get you the benefits you deserve.

Free Consultation, Give Us a Call

or Email us.

Treatment notes, medical documentation or records must be submitted by “acceptable medical sources.”

Give us a call on (866) 950-5116 or contact us via our contact form for a FREE case review.

The SSA has two categories of medical sources. There are “acceptable medical sources” and other health care providers that are not “acceptable medical sources.”

Acceptable Medical Sources

It is important to submit medical evidence that was reported by “acceptable medical sources.”

“Acceptable medical sources” may include:

  • Licensed physicians
  • Licensed or certified psychologists
  • Licensed podiatrists
  • Licensed optometrists
  • Qualified speech-language pathologists

Unfortunately, the SSA does not categorize nurse practitioners or chiropractors as being an “acceptable medical source.”

This means that the medical evidence from a chiropractor or nurse practitioner cannot establish your medical impairment.

Give us a call on (866) 950-5116 or contact us via our contact form for a FREE case review.

Although, information from other sources can be used to support your claim.

These other sources may include non-medical sources such as social workers and employers; and public and private social welfare agencies; and other medical practitioners, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, naturopaths, and chiropractors.

Does this mean that your claim will be denied because you are not seeing an “acceptable medical source?”

Not always, the ultimate decision is in an Administrative Law Judge’s (ALJ) hands.

It is important for Indiana residents to keep in mind the medical sources that the SSA prefers may enhance your ability to receive a favorable ruling.

If you would like a free consultation with Attorney Scott D. Lewis to discuss your Social Security disability claim, call (866) 950-5116.

Do I Qualify for Disability? - Find Out Here

Not everyone is eligible to receive social security disability benefits, find out if you qualify in a few minutes.